The erosion + erasure of Black Women's Scholars is just the beginning of slowly planting the seeds of American fascism. Black people in all counties + states need to at least know about the insidious ways our history + human rights are being pushed back. Consider the issue with the voting bills that are being introduced in many states designed to reduce the amount of participants. By the end of January, 150 restrictive voting rights bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country. Ironically, some of these states have the largest non-hispanic black population (Florida, Mississippi to name two) as well as being states where the battle ground for Civil Rights began. It should be concerning when once again the civil rights of Black people are being eroded. And yes, there are many organizations in existence now that are actively fighting, and amplifying these issues: National NAACP, LDF, Brennan Center for Justice and Santa Cruz Black. Inequities in all institutions must be identified, along with any call to action to abate the harm. In educational institutions we're facing all kinds of push back to sanitize and basically revise history - especially history or historical movements written by Black Women scholars who are intersectional, meaning feminist, Black, gay/queer/ trans/ nonbinary. There is a Freedom to LEarn movement taking place in Florida right now. This action is championed by Kimberle Crenshaw of the African American Policy Forum. States/Cities in which certain books are banned or just want to support the action are preparing for the National Day of Action on May 3rd. You can read about this here [place link] or watch some of the conversations on YouTube or listen to some podcasts.

I'm fairly sure that the majority of our readership -more than 50% receive + read the same newsletters that I read and most likely are concerned about the erosion of American Democracy as much as I am. We here at Santa Cruz Black are trying to do our small part by electrifying you with news stories, community events that not only power building but community building as well. We are running out of resources and need your support to continue our good work. We have 2 programs which haven't been launched publicly and we need your help. We know that our community building program, Black Neighborhood, is quite successful and we believe the Housing and Youth Development program will be equally impactful.

If you like what you are getting from us, please consider giving a donation. No donation is too small and neither is it too big. Giving monthly is also encouraged. If you are in a financial situation where you can give, please consider sharing. We also need dedicated enthusiastic volunteers from the Black Community and our allies. I know you are out there. If you would like to volunteer please respond to this email to let us know of your interests.

Please click here to donate: https://rcnv.networkforgood.com/projects/166259-santa-cruz-black

Peace, Power + Love

Cheryl M. Williams

CoFounder + Director

ww.santacruz.black

Visit: https://freedomtolearn.net/ to learn more about the upcoming National Day of Action on May 3, 2023 to defend the truth and to protect the freedom to learn.

One of my brother's name is Justin. He was born in 1995. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones were also both born in 1995. It gives me hope and fortitude to see them rising into their power. Their voices resonate. Their words are soaked in thought and direction. The spectacle to remove them from office backfired and enabled them to have an even bigger megaphone and reach. They will not be silenced, and I will continue to amplify their voices and the broader matters they speak on. This country has an issue with guns, full stop. How we move to a better system is anyone's guess, but I support sensible regulation of firearms.

It's disheartening (but not surprising) to see a supermajority in Tennessee attempt to silence two young, inspiring, Black men while saving their colleague and ally/accomplice, a white woman. The dog whistle was obvious. The optics were unsurprising, and now our brothers have a national platform. They aren't going anyway, and for that I am grateful.

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We are also still looking for justice for Shanquella Robinson (and Breonna Taylor among others frankly). Also, for Koko Da Doll, a Black woman of trans identity (her alleged assailant at least turned himself in). Shanquella & Breonna's killers walk today with impunity, and there is seemingly no intention of them facing justice. Black Lives Matter. Black Women Lives Matter. Trans Lives Matter. I get tired of repeating it, but until we're all free ain't nobody free. This is no zero-sum game. We can and must do better.

In community,

Chris Davis, CoFounder

Uplifting Community! Santa Cruz Black amplifies upcoming community events; read below to stay informed.

Please feel encouraged to amplify these events through your networks.

“See you all at our next Fashion Party on the last Friday of this month.✨
Sponsored by African Roots Social Club created by @dewitt_productions”

“We are Pie For the People - Santa Cruz. We host seasonal pie potluck to support local nonprofits. In the last 7 years we have raised almost 20,000$ for organizations like Food Not Bombs and the Homeless Garden Project”

“Join us for a plática with Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, the author of "For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts".

For generations, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color have had to push against powerful forces of sexism, racism, and classism. She offers a liberating path forward that centers community and self-preservation. Tamales, pan dulce and refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

When: Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Time: Doors open at 5:30pm. Event starts at  6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m

Where: Cultural Center at Merrill College, UC Santa Cruz
Address: 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064

RSVP: bit.ly/BGSETH

Watch "Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez's Empowering Love Letter to Women of Color"

This event is co-sponsored by El Centro, the Womxns Center, EOP, HSI Initiatives, Merrill College, the Student Union Assembly and the Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center.”

“Hola Mi Gente! We’ve got our next event lined up for a Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 7th at Woodhouse Brews. This event will include arts vendors, local musicians, performers, and more! This event is pay-what-you-will. Tickets are available online at migenteca.org or through the link in our bio. Stay tuned for our performer line-up!👀”

“Join us for the annual Spring Art Market produced by Arts Council Santa Cruz County!

Saturday, May 13th
10 am - 5 pm

A family-friendly event featuring over 40 skilled artists and vendors who activate and enliven the Tannery Arts Center campus. Located just two miles from downtown Santa Cruz along the beautiful San Lorenzo River, this unique occasion promises to inspire creativity & foster community connections.

Save the date to celebrate & support artists on Mother's Day weekend. We hope to see you there!”

MAY 18th

“Register NOW for our next meet-up on Thursday, May 18 from 5:30-7pm at the Garfield Park Library Branch: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/10239100”

Calling all BIPOC and/or underrpresented artists in Santa Cruz County! We want to hear YOUR creative voices at our “Melanated Expressions” art showcase. This showcase is intended to provide a platform for artists to share what matters most to THEM. Whether it is a call to action, a showcase of your talents, or a question you have for the viewer, we want to hear and amplify what YOU have to express.

Applications open from April 7th - June 5th at 11:59pm.

Acceptance emails will be sent out on June 12th.

Apply online at migenteca.org/events/melanated-expressions” Link here: https://forms.wix.com/f/7049872619033592811

In case you missed the Community Reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's most prolific sermon delivered at Riverside Church in New York on 4-04-67 exactly 1 to the date when he was murdered. Here is the link to the recording of the event.

**Please note that Nikia Chaney replaced Mak Nova as a reader for this program

SUPPORT US AND HELP US
BUILD OUR 2023 PROGRAMMING AND BEYOND

A one-time gift of support or becoming an ally with a recurring monthly gift allows us to grow our burgeoning grassroots efforts to amplify the Black community in Santa Cruz County and build community programming and community assets.

Santa Cruz Black (initially as Santa Cruz County Black Coalition for Justice and Racial Equity) was established in response to the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. That event and the fact that the Black residents of Santa Cruz County are only 1.7 % of the total population was the catalyst to bring Black concerns out of the shadows and into the forefront in this county.

We are dedicated to Black initiatives through community engagement, including: our commitment to closing the racial wealth, developing affordable housing opportunities, empowering youth, and creating community events for Black residents in Santa Cruz County.

Our mission is to empower & sustain a prosperous & thriving Black community by building and advocating for fair & just policies that promote increased access and equity in health, safety, & well being.

Please consider supporting Santa Cruz Black.

A one-time or monthly donation of ANY size sows the seeds needed for our emerging organization to thrive.

For example,
$100 will allow us to print and distribute our organizational informational collateral
$250 supports building and maintaining our IT infrastructure and needs
$500 enables us to provide transportation for our cohorts in the Melanated Makerspace program to events county-wide.
$1000 allows us to sustain our office space and expand our services as a growing community resource.
$2500 provides support for our larger community events in providing guest speakers and artists the honoraria they deserve.

Follow @santacruz.black on Instagram and visit our website, Santacruz.black for more information about Santa Cruz Black as we as other local events and community news.